Absurd VerdictAn asinine jury has concluded that Professor...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

June 01, 1993

Absurd Verdict

An asinine jury has concluded that Professor Leonard Jeffries' free speech rights were violated when he was dismissed from City College of New York for teaching that there is a Jewish conspiracy against blacks.

Would that jury have reached a similar decision about a Ku Klux Klan panjandrum lecturing students about the Klan's view of blacks?

We have arrived at a point where blind worship of "free speech," as opposed to the substantive meaning of free speech, has obscured reason and common sense.

The raison d'etre of an institution of learning is to see that students learn. But learn what? That two plus two equals five? That the sun rises in the west? Any teacher who insisted on teaching these falsehoods would be sent packing -- which is exactly what happened to Jeffries.

For a school to teach a falsehood is an absurdity, implicit in the very meaning of the word "teach," which is defined as "imparting knowledge." "Knowledge" is defined as an acquaintance with facts, truth.

For a jury to reward a professor who blatantly disseminates a pernicious lie, who transfers to young, impressionable minds his own warped, twisted hatreds, is not only an absurdity but an outrage.

Rea Knisbacher

Baltimore

Rx for Maryland

Barry Rascovar's recent Orwellian journey into "1994" presented an intriguing scenario: a futuristic look at the next gubernatorial race featuring the usual cast of political characters and one surprising addition -- Dr. Neil Solomon, former secretary of health and mental hygiene and chairman of the governor's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.

I don't know why Dr. Solomon would want to be governor but I do know this: Neil Solomon has affected positive change in Maryland ever since his campaign to clean up the Inner Harbor back in the 1970s.

In Rascovar's field of career politicians, Neil Solomon would be a breath of fresh air, an individual who is not tied to the special interests that put their agenda before that of the working men and women of our state.

I, for one, hope Dr. Solomon gets into the race for governor in 1994. He may ultimately be Maryland's best cure.

Peggy King

Chevy Chase

Orioles Praise

I was at Camden Yards and even though the Orioles lost it was a wonderful experience.

With the new no-smoking policy, I encountered no smoking in the stands where I was seated and none in the restrooms. I observed no problems whatsoever.

In fact, some smokers I talked with said that they support the new policy because they felt that previously the smoke from the stands was uncontrollable. They felt that wasn't fair or considerate to nonsmokers, especially children.

Speaking of children, I and my friends and acquaintances, smokers and nonsmokers alike, applaud the absence of tobacco advertising in the stadium and in the program sold at the stadium.

Youth are so impressionable. We praise the Orioles for taking the high moral ground in setting a good example and not associating smoking with the healthy game of baseball.

Ron Beyna

Bowie

Today's Woman

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a woman we all know, the first lady of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

She epitomizes the values and aspirations of today's woman. She refuses to ride on the coattail of her husband, and she no doubt has his respect. After all, he entrusted her with solving one of our nation's biggest problems, that of health care. I admire her strength, her spirit, and her drive.

She is a fine example of a liberated woman. Though we live in a country whose laws guarantee equality for all, women generally are still not considered equal to their male counterparts.

A woman who is assertive is considered arrogant, especially when her social or political advancements are seen to be achieved at the expense of men.

Liberated women of the United States should be proud to have an ally in the White House who will be an active participant in the government, instead of being a mere ceremonial figurehead.

A dependent woman earns less respect than one who is firm and aggressive. Most males seek companions who are independent with a clear sense of direction. Ms. Clinton is certainly a capable woman.

Devoted mother, supportive wife, active first lady -- Hillary Rodham Clinton is all this and more. She is a fine example of what a woman can achieve if she believes in herself.

It is conceivable that she could make a strong and successful presidential bid some time in the future. The United States is considered a role model for many other countries. It would certainly be a great victory for women everywhere, for a woman to be elected president of the United States.

Imagine the media referring to the first couple as President and Mr. Clinton. Until then, Hillary Rodham Clinton will make a great first lady.

Pauline Myles

Baltimore

Aberdeen and Its Environment

Your May 20 editorial in The Sun did not adequately recognize the commitment of the many men and women at Aberdeen Proving Ground who work very hard to protect our environment.